A recent study indicates that bribery and money laundering are more prevalent in the UK than previously thought, with millions of individuals approached to engage in such activities over the past year. The report, co-authored by a researcher from the University of Surrey for the International Society of Economic Criminology (ISEC), reveals alarming statistics: approximately 16% of UK adults reported being solicited for a bribe within the last twelve months, while 11%, equating to around 5.8 million UK adults, were asked to facilitate the transfer of potentially illicit funds.
The findings highlight a disturbing trend, with more than half of those approached agreeing to participate in bribery or money laundering. In fact, in 2023 alone, 9% of respondents admitted to paying a bribe, while 7% admitted to engaging in money muling, which involves facilitating money laundering activities. This behavior is particularly pronounced among younger adults, with 29% of individuals aged 18 to 40 reporting they had been asked for a bribe, and 16% confirming they had complied. Likewise, 22% of the same age group were solicited for money mulling, with 13% participating.
Corruption in Everyday Life
Requests for bribes predominantly emerged from the private sector, accounting for 56% of solicitations, followed by the public sector at 25%, charities at 10%, and other sectors at 8%. Dr. Jack Whittaker, a co-author of the report and Lecturer of Criminology at the University of Surrey, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “These findings are a wake-up call. Corruption is not something that happens far away or only in high-powered boardrooms, or in the movies. It is happening in everyday life – in workplaces, in financial dealings and in routine transactions.”
Despite the staggering number of solicitations, official police records show only about 100 to 170 corruption offenses are documented annually, compared to approximately 2,000 to 3,700 money laundering offenses. The discrepancy between these statistics and the survey results reveals a concerning gap in understanding the true scope of these activities.
The research team conducted an anonymous online survey with 1,000 UK adults, ensuring that the sample reflected the national population in terms of age, gender, and region. Respondents were asked about their experiences with bribery and money laundering in the past year, allowing for candid disclosures without fear of judgment or legal repercussions. This approach provided a clearer insight into the prevalence of these activities behind closed doors.
Need for Awareness and Education
The study underscores the urgent need for increased public awareness regarding the operations of bribery and money mulling in the UK. Dr. Whittaker advocates for educational initiatives targeting young people, stating that there should be “clearer education in schools and universities, more visible communication from banks and employers, and practical advice for anyone unsure whether an offer they receive is legitimate.”
As society grapples with these alarming trends, it is crucial to promote understanding and prevention strategies to combat the normalization of bribery and money laundering. Enhanced communication and education could play a vital role in protecting individuals from becoming unwitting participants in these illicit activities.
For more information, the full report can be accessed through the International Society of Economic Criminology.
